Port Elizabeth police on Tuesday made several arrests, recovered stolen vehicles and issued fines, worth around R87 000, to drivers for various traffic violations during simultaneous Operation Fiela Crime Prevention Operations by the Motherwell, Mount Road and Uitenhage police clusters.

The operations were held ahead of National Police Day - observed every year on January 27, and commenced at 09:00 and continued till 15:00 at various areas in these clusters.

"The operations were multi-disciplinary with the Traffic Department, Department of Home Affairs and SARS taking part in the operations which ranged from patrols to roadblocks and suspect raiding," the police said.

"Fifteen persons were arrested for various crimes including six for possession of dagga and three for possession of Mandrax."

Four stolen vehicles were recovered and traffic fines to the value of approximately R87 000 were handed to drivers for various traffic offences. Eleven knives, a substantial amount of dagga and Mandrax tablets were confiscated.

“Any successes achieved during operations are a step closer to ridding our communities of crime. High police visibility is achieved through these operations which makes our community members feel safe," said Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Celiwe Binta.

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